Expand the Pac-10? Sorry, bigger isn't better

I understand why the major college conferences, including the Pac-10, are discussing radical realignment.

It doesn't mean I have to like it.

Sure, there's money to be made. And yeah, it would be cool if USC played Texas in the "Pac-16" championship game.

But what about about tradition? What about regional rivalries? What about conference designations that mean something?

Seriously, is the conference still going to be called "Pacific" if it includes schools from Texas and Oklahoma? Yes, I know: Arizona doesn't border the Pacific Ocean either. But at least it's the next state over. Who's making these decisions -- Brian Griffin's ex-girlfriend Jillian?

Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott would be foolish to ignore what's going on; he deserves plaudits for being proactive. And maybe the inevitable expansion will be limited to just two schools, which wouldn't be nearly as unwieldy.

If I sound like some sort of curmudgeon who's opposed to any and all change, I'm not. I want the no-charge circle under the bucket in college basketball. I'm fully in favor of replay for Major League Baseball. I believe gambling and marijuana should be legalized and taxed (even though I don't indulge in either).

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